APME Los Angeles 2024

Hip-hop is a musical movement that emerged in the Bronx in the 1970s, but it also grew and
developed in Yonkers, a city that has produced some of the most influential artists and pioneers of the genre. In this presentation, I will explore and go through the foundational timeline and how Yonkers contributed to the evolution of hip-hop, from the early DJ battles, parties, practioners ,Graffiti artist and dancers. Decades before to the rise of global stars like DMX, Mary J. Blige, and Jadakiss. I will use pictures, flyers, and documents to illustrate the history and mpact of Yonkers’ hip-hop scene, as well as readings from the book with testimonies from practitioners and venue owners who witnessed and participated in the growth of the culture. I will also discuss how Yonkers’ hip-hop legacy is being celebrated and preserved today, as the genre marks its 50th anniversary. My presentation aims to show that Yonkers is not only a lost city of hip-hop, but also a vital and vibrant part of its past, present, and future.